Producers look for a story to turn into their blueprint for a film. This can either be an original idea or a story reproduced from a novel. They then create a detailed description of the story with moods, character ideas and sketches the help visualise key points.
This is then handed over to a screenwriter who will re write and develop their initial idea further to get the best from the story.
A film distributor may be contacted at this point to discuss the film ideas potential success and its suitability for an audience.
After this the producer and screenwriter prepare a pitch to present to their potential investors, if successful the contract are signed and they can move on to pre-production. By now the film should have a clear marketing strategy and target audience.
Pre Production
At this point the film is designed and planned. The production company is created and a production office is established. The film is made into a storyboard and visualised with the help of illustrators and concept artists. The production budget is drawn up to help them plan for expenditures.
The producer hires a crew which is determined by the budget and nature of the film.
Hollywood Blockbusters would hire a crew much larger than low budget independent films.
Crew Positions
A few key positions in the crew:
Director- Creative decisions and portraying the story on screen.
Assistant Director- Filming schedules and logistics of production.
Casting Director- Finding appropriate actors.
Location Manager- Finds suitable locations to film, may include closing off public areas.
Composer- Creates an original soundtrack for the film.
Art Director- Makes production sets, manages the Art Department.
Costume Designer- Works closely with actors to create the right look.
Storyboard Artists- Creates a visual aid for the Director and Producer.
Production
At this stage the film is shot. More crew are hired as required such as editors for the sound and picture.
A Script Supervisor will note any continuity issues and any technical issues will be logged. Additional takes may be required.
The Production Office is kept up to date with a report after every day shooting and production schedules are referred to.
Sometimes the cast will gather to watch the days filming to review how they think it went.
Work days can last anything up to 18 hours non stop and to thank the crew for all their efforts a wrap party organised by the Production Team often takes place at the end of filming.
Post Production
The film is given to the Film Editor. The original camera work is the converted and developed for editing with a computer editing software. Production sound is also synced to the video picture frames.
The Film Editor builds a rough cut of the film to select the best shots.
The Director works with the Film Editor at this point to get the best from his picture, they then create a seamless flowing version by shortening scenes and creating the story. This is then shown to and approved by the Director.
At this point it is usually previewed by the target audience and any feedback through questionnaires may result in further shooting or edits to the finished film.
Distribution and Exhibition
This is the final stage where the film is released to cinema or occasionally straight to DVD.
The film is duplicated as required for distribution to cinemas.
Press kits, posters and other advertising materials are published and the film is advertised. Film companies usually release a film with a launch party, press releases, interviews with the press, press preview screenings, and film festival screenings. Most films have a website. The film plays at selected cinemas and the DVD typically is released a few months later.
The distribution rights for the film and DVD are also usually sold for worldwide distribution. The distributor and the production company share profits.